Measurement system with voice recognition

ABSTRACT

A system includes a measurement apparatus having sensors measuring physiologic parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, and/or blood oxygen level. A sensor is inserted into a user orifice and coupled to tissue comprising blood. Another sensor provides positioning information, and yet another sensor provides proximity information of the apparatus to the tissue. A communication device includes microphones of a headset adapted to be worn by the user to receive voice input commands, and also includes audio output devices. A voice recognition module processes voice commands to identify a specific command and is customized to user preferences. The apparatus communicates with a control system receiving and processing the physiological parameters including a touch-screen, a mechanical system having actuators, and a wireless transmitter to transmit data of the physiological parameters over a wireless link to a host. The control system manipulates part of the control system responsive to the voice commands.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/710,804 filed Sep. 20, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/258,133 filed Sep. 7, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No.9,770,174, issued Sep. 26, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/734,069 filed Jun. 9, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No.9,456,751, issued Oct. 4, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/476,082, filed Sep. 3, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No.9,055,868, issued Jun. 16, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/186,814 filed Feb. 21, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No.9,456,750, issued Oct. 4, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/913,678 filed Jun. 10, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No.8,848,282, issued Sep. 30, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/531,853 filed Jun. 25, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No.8,679,011, issued Mar. 25, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/349,244 filed Jan. 12, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No.8,472,108, issued Jun. 25, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 13/078,547 filed Apr. 1, 2011, abandoned, which isa divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/625,253 filed Nov.24, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,098,423, issued Jan. 17, 2012, which is adivisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/206,432, filed Sep. 8,2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,633,673, issued Dec. 15, 2009, which is adivisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/812,608, filed Mar.30, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,433,116, issued Oct. 7, 2008, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/757,341, filed Jan.13, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,259,906, issued Aug. 21, 2007, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/652,276 filed Aug.29, 2003, abandoned. Application Ser. No. 10/652,276 claims the benefitof U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/408,025 filed Sep. 3,2002. The disclosures of all of the above are incorporated in theirentirety by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to medical diagnostic systems.

SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

In one embodiment, a system includes a measurement apparatus comprisingone or more sensors configured to generate signals associated with oneor more physiological parameters, the physiological parameters includingat least one of blood pressure, heart rate, and blood oxygen level,wherein at least one of the one or more sensors is adapted to be coupledto tissue comprising blood and is configured to be inserted into anorifice associated with a user, wherein at least another of the one ormore sensors is configured to provide positioning information, andwherein at least yet another of the one or more sensors is configured toprovide information about proximity of the measurement apparatus to thetissue comprising blood. A communication device is coupled to themeasurement apparatus, the communication device comprising one or moremicrophones attached to a headset, the headset adapted to be worn by theuser, the communication device configured to receive voice inputcommands from the one or more microphones and coupled to one or moreaudio output devices. A voice recognition module is coupled to themeasurement apparatus and to the communication device, wherein the voicerecognition module is configured to process the voice input commands,wherein the voice recognition module is configured to identify aspecific voice command at least in part by comparing the voice inputcommands with one or more pre-programmed commands, and wherein the voicerecognition module is configured to be customized to preferences of theuser. The measurement apparatus is configured to communicate with acontrol system configured to receive and process at least a portion ofthe signals associated with one or more physiological parameters, thecontrol system comprising a touch-screen, a mechanical system comprisingone or more actuators, and a wireless transmitter to transmit datacomprising at least a part of the physiological parameters over awireless link to a host, wherein the control system is furtherconfigured to receive signals from manually entered input. The voicerecognition module is further configured to convert at least a portionof the voice input commands into voice command signals and wherein thecontrol system is further configured to manipulate at least a part ofthe control system in response to receiving at least a portion of thevoice command signals.

In one embodiment, a system includes a measurement apparatus comprisingone or more sensors configured to generate signals associated with oneor more physiological parameters, the physiological parameters includingat least one of blood pressure, heart rate, and blood oxygen level,wherein at least one of the one or more sensors is adapted to be coupledto tissue comprising blood and is configured to be inserted into anorifice associated with a user, and wherein at least another of the oneor more sensors is configured to provide information about proximity ofthe measurement apparatus to the tissue comprising blood. Acommunication device is coupled to the measurement apparatus, thecommunication device comprising one or more microphones attached to aheadset, the headset adapted to be worn by the user, the communicationdevice coupled to one or more audio output devices and configured toreceive voice input commands from the one or more microphones. A voicerecognition module is coupled to the measurement apparatus and to thecommunication device, wherein the voice recognition module is configuredto process the voice input commands and convert at least a portion ofthe voice input commands into voice command signals. The measurementapparatus is configured to communicate with a control system configuredto receive and process at least a portion of the signals associated withone or more physiological parameters. The control system comprises atouch-screen, a mechanical system comprising one or more actuators, anda wireless transmitter to transmit data over a wireless link to a host,at least some of the data comprising at least a part of thephysiological parameters, wherein the control system is furtherconfigured to receive signals from manually entered input.

In one embodiment, a system includes a measurement apparatus comprisingone or more sensors configured to generate signals associated with oneor more physiological parameters, the physiological parameters includingat least one of blood pressure, heart rate, and blood oxygen level,wherein at least one of the one or more sensors is adapted to be coupledto tissue comprising blood and is configured to be inserted into anorifice associated with a user, and wherein at least another of the oneor more sensors is configured to provide information about proximity ofthe measurement apparatus to the tissue comprising blood. Acommunication device is coupled to the measurement apparatus, thecommunication device comprising one or more microphones attached to aheadset, the headset adapted to be worn by the user, the communicationdevice coupled to one or more audio output devices, and configured toreceive voice input commands from the one or more microphones. A voicerecognition module coupled to the measurement apparatus and to thecommunication device, wherein the voice recognition module is configuredto process the voice input commands and convert at least a portion ofthe voice input commands into voice command signals. The measurementapparatus is configured to communicate with a control system configuredto receive and process at least a portion of the signals associated withone or more physiological parameters, the control system comprising atouch-screen, a mechanical system comprising one or more actuators, anda wireless transmitter to transmit data over a wireless link to a host,at least some of the data comprising at least a part of thephysiological parameters, wherein the control system is furtherconfigured to receive signals from manually entered input. The controlsystem is further configured to receive at least a portion of the voicecommand signals, and to manipulate at least a part of the control systemin response to the at least a portion of the voice command signals.

In one embodiment, a measurement apparatus comprises one or more sensorsconfigured to generate signals associated with one or more physiologicalparameters, wherein at least one of the one or more sensors is adaptedto be coupled to tissue comprising blood and to communicate to feedbackcontrol circuitry at least a portion of the signals associated with oneor more physiological parameters. The feedback control circuitry may becapable of generating physiological information from the at least aportion of the signals associated with one or more physiologicalparameters. A software application is configured to operate on a controlsystem that is capable of receiving at least some of the physiologicalinformation, the control system configured to receive voice inputsignals and manually entered input signals and comprising atouch-screen, a proximity sensor, circuitry for obtaining movementinformation from a positioning sensor, a mechanical system comprisingone or more actuators, and a wireless transmitter to transmit data,including at least some of the physiological information, over awireless link to a host. The host is configured to generate statusinformation from the data and comprises a memory storage device forrecording the status information and a communication device forcommunicating at least a portion of the status information over acommunication link to one or more display output devices, wherein theone or more display output devices are located remotely from the host.

In one embodiment, a measurement apparatus comprises a flexible portion,adapted to be inserted into a user's body, including one or more sensorsconfigured to generate signals associated with one or more physiologicalparameters. At least one of the one or more sensors is adapted to becoupled to tissue comprising blood. The measurement apparatus isconfigured to communicate with a software application configured tooperate on a control system adapted to receive and process physiologicalinformation. The control system comprises a touch-screen, a proximitysensor, circuitry for obtaining movement information from a positioningsensor, a mechanical system comprising one or more actuators, and awireless transmitter to transmit data over a wireless link to a host.The software application is operable to generate the physiologicalinformation based at least in part on the signals from the one or moresensors. At least some of the physiological information comprises atleast a part of the data, wherein the control system is furtherconfigured to receive voice input signals and manually entered inputsignals, and wherein alarms or alerts are capable of being generatedbased on the signals from the one or more sensors.

In one embodiment, a measurement apparatus comprises one or more sensorsconfigured to generate signals associated with one or more physiologicalparameters. The physiological parameters include at least one of bloodpressure, heart rate and blood oxygen level. At least one of the one ormore sensors is adapted to be coupled to tissue comprising blood and isadapted to be inserted into an orifice associated with a user. At leastone of the one or more sensors is capable of generating data associatedwith proximity to the tissue comprising blood. The measurement apparatusis configured to communicate with a software application configured tooperate on a control system adapted to receive and process physiologicalinformation. The control system comprises a touch-screen, a mechanicalsystem comprising one or more actuators, and a wireless transmitter totransmit data over a wireless link to a host. The software applicationis operable to generate the physiological information based at least inpart on the signals from the one or more sensors. At least some of thephysiological information comprises at least a part of the data. Thecontrol system is further configured to receive voice input signals andmanually entered input signals.

In one embodiment, a measurement apparatus includes one or more sensorsconfigured to generate signals associated with one or more physiologicalparameters, wherein at least one of the one or more sensors is adaptedto be coupled to a tissue comprising blood. The measurement apparatus isconfigured to communicate through a base device to a softwareapplication configured to operate on a control system adapted to receiveand process physiological information, wherein the base device iscapable of receiving at least a portion of the signals associated withone or more physiological parameters. The control system comprises atouch-screen, a proximity sensor, circuitry for obtaining movementinformation from a positioning sensor, a mechanical system comprisingone or more actuators, and a wireless transmitter to transmit data overa wireless link to a host. The software application is operable togenerate the physiological information based at least in part on thesignals from the one or more sensors, at least some of the physiologicalinformation comprising at least a part of the data, wherein the controlsystem is further configured to receive voice input signals and manuallyentered input signals. The host is configured to generate statusinformation from the data and comprises a memory storage device forrecording the status information and a communication device forcommunicating at least a portion of the status information over acommunication link to one or more display output devices, wherein theone or more display output devices are located remotely from the host.

In another embodiment, a measurement apparatus includes one or moresensors configured to generate signals associated with one or morephysiological parameters, wherein at least one of the one or moresensors is adapted to be coupled to a tissue comprising blood. Themeasurement apparatus is configured to communicate with a softwareapplication configured to operate on a control system adapted to receiveand process physiological information. The control system comprises atouch-screen, a proximity sensor, circuitry for obtaining movementinformation from a positioning sensor, a mechanical system comprisingone or more actuators, and a wireless transmitter to transmit data overa wireless link to a host. The software application is operable togenerate the physiological information based at least in part on thesignals from the one or more sensors, at least some of the physiologicalinformation comprising at least a part of the data. The control systemis further configured to receive voice input signals and manuallyentered input signals. The host is configured to generate statusinformation from the data and comprises a memory storage device forrecording the status information and a communication device forcommunicating at least a portion of the status information over acommunication link to one or more display output devices, wherein theone or more display output devices are located remotely from the host.

In one embodiment, a measurement apparatus includes one or more sensorsconfigured to generate signals associated with one or more physiologicalparameters, the physiological parameters including at least one of bloodpressure, heart rate and blood oxygen level, wherein at least one of theone or more sensors is adapted to be coupled to a tissue comprisingblood. The measurement apparatus is configured to communicate with asoftware application configured to operate on a control system adaptedto receive and process physiological information. The control systemincludes a touch-screen, a proximity sensor, circuitry for obtainingmovement information from a positioning sensor, a mechanical systemcomprising one or more actuators, and a wireless transmitter to transmitdata over a wireless link to a host. The software application isoperable to generate the physiological information based at least inpart on the signals from the one or more sensors, at least some of thephysiological information comprising at least a part of the data. Thecontrol system is further configured to receive voice input signals andmanually entered input signals. The host is configured to generatestatus information from the data and comprises a memory storage devicefor recording the status information and a communication device forcommunicating at least a portion of the status information over acommunication link to one or more display output devices, wherein theone or more display output devices are located remotely from the host.

In one embodiment, a light-based medical diagnostic system includes apump source comprising a plurality of semiconductor diodes with pumpbeams, a multiplexer capable of combining the plurality of semiconductordiode pump beams and generating at least a multiplexed pump beamcomprising one or more wavelengths, a first waveguide structureconfigured to receive at least a portion of the one or more wavelengths,wherein the first waveguide structure comprises at least in part a gainfiber and outputs a first optical beam, and a second waveguide structureconfigured to receive at least a portion of the first optical beam andto communicate at least the portion of the first optical beam to anoutput end of the second waveguide structure to form an output beam,wherein at least a portion of the output beam comprises at least onewavelength in the range of 1.7 microns or more. A lens system isconfigured to receive at least the portion of the output beam and tocommunicate at least the portion of the output beam through a patient'smouth onto a part of a patient's body comprising a patient's blood. Invarious embodiments, at least the portion of the output beam is adaptedfor use in medical diagnostics to measure a property of the patient'sblood, wherein the medical diagnostics comprise a spectroscopicprocedure comprising a differential measurement, wherein thedifferential measurement is based at least in part on a comparison ofamplitudes at a plurality of associated wavelengths transmitted orreflected from the patient's blood.

In another embodiment, a light-based diagnostic system includes a pumpsource comprising a plurality of semiconductor diodes with pump beams, amultiplexer capable of combining the plurality of semiconductor diodepump beams and generating at least a multiplexed pump beam comprisingone or more wavelength, first and second waveguide structures, and alens system. The first waveguide structure is configured to receive atleast a portion of the one or more wavelengths, wherein the firstwaveguide structure comprises at least in part a fused silica fiber, andoutputs a first optical beam. The second waveguide structure isconfigured to receive at least a portion of the first optical beam andto communicate at least the portion of the first optical beam to anoutput end of the second waveguide structure to form an output beam. Thelens system is configured to receive at least a portion of the outputbeam and to communicate at least the portion of the output beam throughan orifice in a patient's body. In various embodiments, at least theportion of the output beam is adapted for use in multi-wavelengthdiagnostics to measure a property of a part of the patient's body,wherein the multi-wavelength diagnostics comprise a spectroscopicprocedure comprising a differential measurement, wherein thedifferential measurement is based at least in part on a comparison ofamplitudes at a plurality of associated wavelengths transmitted orreflected from the part of the patient's body.

In yet another embodiment, a light-based medical diagnostic systemincludes a pump source comprising a plurality of semiconductor diodeswith pump beams and a multiplexer capable of combining the plurality ofsemiconductor diode pump beams and generating at least a multiplexedpump beam comprising one or more wavelengths. A first waveguidestructure is configured to receive at least a portion of the one or morewavelengths, wherein the first waveguide structure comprises at least inpart a fused silica fiber, and outputs a first optical beam. A secondwaveguide structure is configured to receive at least a portion of thefirst optical beam and to communicate at least the portion of the firstoptical beam to an output end of the second waveguide structure to forman output beam. A lens system is configured to receive at least aportion of the output beam and to communicate at least the portion ofthe output beam onto a part of a patient's body comprising a patient'sblood.

In one embodiment, a measurement apparatus comprises an insertableportion capable of being inserted into an orifice associated with a bodyof a patient. The insertable portion comprising an automated head unitcapable of being manipulated in at least two axes of motion based atleast in part on one or more control signals. The measurement apparatusfurther comprises one or more controllers coupled to the automated headunit. In one particular embodiment, the one or more controllers generatethe one or more control signals based at least in part on an inputsignal.

In another embodiment, a measurement apparatus capable of minimizingtissue damage comprises an insertable portion capable of being insertedinto an orifice associated with a body of a patient. The measurementapparatus further comprises one or more sensors coupled to theinsertable portion. The one or more sensors capable of generating afeedback signal capable of being used to substantially minimize damageto tissue associated with the patient.

In yet another embodiment, a measurement apparatus capable of being usedin a medical procedure comprises a pump laser capable of generating apump signal. The measurement apparatus further comprises a Ramanwavelength shifter coupled to the pump laser, at least a portion of thewavelength shifter comprising a waveguide structure. In one particularembodiment, the Raman wavelength shifter generates an output opticalsignal comprising a wavelength of approximately 1.7 microns or more.

In still another embodiment, a measurement apparatus capable of beingused in a medical procedure comprises a Raman wavelength shifteroperable to generate an optical signal comprising a mid-infraredwavelength. At least a portion of the Raman wavelength shifter comprisesa chalcogenide waveguide.

In another embodiment, a system for controlling a measurement apparatusincludes a monitor capable of communicating medical informationassociated with a patient and a communication device capable ofreceiving one or more input signals from a user. In one particularembodiment, the one or more input signals are based at least in part onthe medical information displayed on the monitor. The system furtherincludes one or more processors coupled to the communicated device andoperable to convert the one or more input signals into one or morecontrol signals capable of being used to manipulate a measurementapparatus.

Depending on the specific features implemented, particular embodimentsmay exhibit some, none, or all of the following technical advantages.Various embodiments may be capable of reducing medical professionalfatigue through the implementation of a control system capable ofmanipulating a measurement apparatus through voice commands. Someembodiments may be capable of controlling a measurement apparatus from aremote location. Other embodiments may be capable of reducing the levelof dexterity required of a medical professional when performing amedical procedure.

Other technical advantages will be readily apparent to one skilled inthe art from the following figures, description, and claims. Moreover,while specific advantages have been enumerated, various embodiments mayinclude all, some, or none of the enumerated advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To provide a more complete understanding of the present invention andcertain features and advantages, thereof, reference is made to thefollowing description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates one example embodiment of a measurement apparatuscontrol system;

FIG. 2 illustrates another example embodiment of a measurement apparatuscontrol system;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example measurement apparatus capable of beinginserted into a patient's body during a medical procedure;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a flow of command signals from amedical professional to a measurement apparatus in a measurementapparatus control system;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for processing avoice control signal and/or a command signal received by a measurementapparatus control system;

FIG. 6A compares a surgical incision made using a 2.94 micron opticalsignal wavelength to a surgical incision made using a 6.45 micronoptical signal wavelength;

FIG. 6B illustrates example evanescent spectra in different cell-typeregions;

FIG. 7 illustrates example attenuation characteristics of severaloptical fibers based on wavelength;

FIGS. 8A through 8D are block diagrams illustrating example embodimentsof Raman wavelength shifters and/or Raman oscillators capable ofshifting a pump signal to an output signal wavelength of 1.7 microns ormore; and

FIGS. 9A through 9C are block diagrams illustrating example embodimentsof pump sources that are capable of generating a pump signal for use ina Raman wavelength shifter.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in variousand alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; somefeatures may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particularcomponents. Therefore, specific structural and functional detailsdisclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as arepresentative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the present invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates one example embodiment of a measurement apparatuscontrol system 100. In this example, system 100 includes a measurementapparatus 10, a manipulator 40, a microphone 50, a display device 60,and a host 70. In various embodiments, system 100 may be capable ofreceiving voice commands associated with the manipulation of measurementapparatus 10 from a medical professional, such as a nurse, a medicalassistant, a medical technician, and/or a doctor. In some cases, system100 is capable of assisting a medical professional during a medicalprocedure by processing data signals associated with one or more voicecommands and manipulating measurement apparatus 10 in response to thosecommands.

Measurement apparatus 10 may comprise any device or instrument that amedical professional needs to perform a medical procedure. Measurementapparatus 10 can comprise, for example, a surgical scalpel, a scope, alaser, an imaging device, a microscope, or a combination of these or anyother suitable device. As used throughout this document, the term“scope” refers to any measurement apparatus capable of entering apatient's body, such as endoscopes, colonoscopes, gastroscopes,enteroscopes, bronchoscopes, laryngoscopes, choledochoscopes,sigmoidoscopes, duodenoscopes, arthoroscopes, cystoscopes, hyteroscopes,laparoscopes, or a combination of these or any other suitable device.

In one particular embodiment, measurement apparatus 10 comprises anendoscope. In those cases, the endoscope may comprise an insertableportion capable of being inserted through an orifice associated with apatient. In other embodiments, the insertable portion may be capable ofbeing guided through the patient's orifice, and capable of collectingbiological samples from the patient for investigation. The orificeassociated with the patient may comprise, for example, a throat, amouth, a nasal passage, an orifice created by the medical professional,and/or any other suitable orifice. In some embodiments, measurementapparatus 10 may include a fiber-optic cable with a lens system at theend that is capable of sending images to a camera and/or a displaydevice, such as display device 60.

In other embodiments, measurement apparatus 10 may comprise one or moresensors coupled to feedback control circuitry that is capable ofminimizing collateral tissue damage during a medical procedure. Invarious embodiments, the one or more sensors and the control circuitrymay be capable of providing positioning information to a medicalprofessional and/or a controller, such as system controller 90. In otherembodiments, the one or more sensors and the control circuitry may becapable of providing data associated with one or more physiologicalparameters associated with the patent to a medical professional and/or acontroller. In some cases, the one or more sensors may be capable ofdetecting and/or alerting a medical professional or a controller whenmeasurement apparatus 10 is in close proximity to and/or in contact withtissue. In other cases, the one or more sensors and the controlcircuitry may be capable of detecting when measurement apparatus 10 isin contact with tissue and capable of overriding control signalsreceived by measurement apparatus 10.

In this example, manipulator 40 includes an actuation unit 20 and asupporting structure 30. Actuation unit 20 may house one or more controlsystems capable of receiving control signals and manipulatingmeasurement apparatus 10 in response to those control signals. The oneor more control systems may comprise, for example, a mechanical controlsystem, an electrical control system, or a combination of these or anyother control system. As used throughout this document, the phrase“mechanical control system” refers to a control system that at leastpartially includes mechanical components. In various embodiments,actuation unit 20 can implement a mechanical control system, such as ahydraulic system, pneumatic system, or a pulley guidewire system.

Supporting structure 30 may comprise a robotic arm, one or more pivotedlinks, multiple links connected together to move in a “scissor-like”manner, or any other structure capable of supporting and manipulatingmeasurement apparatus 10. Although this example depicts manipulator 40and measurement apparatus 10 as separate devices, manipulator 40 andmeasurement apparatus 10 can comprise a unitary medical apparatuscapable of performing the desired functionalities without departing fromthe scope of the present disclosure. For example, manipulator 40 andmeasurement apparatus 10 can be combined to form a unitary medicalapparatus, such as an endoscope, have an automated portion.

In some embodiments, a freedom of motion associated with manipulator 40can have a resolution that substantially replicates the manual dexterityof a medical professional and/or a manual measurement apparatus used bythe medical professional. In some cases, manipulator 40 may have a stepsize and/or angle of rotation step size that is substantially similar tothe manual dexterity of a medical professional and/or a manualmeasurement apparatus used by the medical professional. For example, thenumber of degrees of manipulation freedom associated with measurementapparatus 10 can match the number of degrees of manipulation freedomcurrently available on manual devices. That is, if a conventional manualdevice that has four degrees of freedom in the x-y plane, then the rangeof motion associated with manipulator 40 can include at least fourdegrees of freedom in the x-y plane. In some embodiments, manipulator 40may include manual override controls that allow a medical professionalto exercise manual control of measurement apparatus 10.

Manipulator 40 is coupled to host 70 through a first communication link45. As used throughout this document, the term “couple” and or “coupled”refers to any direct or indirect communication between two or moreelements, whether or not those elements are in physical contact with oneanother. In this example, first communication link 45 is operable tofacilitate the communication of command/data signals 47 betweenmanipulator 40 and host 70. Command/data signals 47 may comprise, forexample, video signals from a video device coupled to measurementapparatus 10, data obtained by sensors coupled to measurement apparatus10, or manipulation commands generated in response to voice commands,auxiliary input commands, and/or automated commands.

In this example, host 70 is capable of performing a desiredcommunicating and/or computing functionality. For example, host 70 maybe capable of at least partially contributing to the manipulation ofmeasurement apparatus 10. In other embodiments, host 70 may be capableof collecting, entering, processing, storing, retrieving, amending,and/or dispatching medical data during a medical procedure. Inoperation, host 70 may execute with any of the well-known MS-DOS,PC-DOS, 0S-2, MAC-OS, WINDOWS™, UNIX, or other appropriate operatingsystems. In some embodiments, host 70 may include a graphical userinterface (GUI) 72 that enables a medical professional to displaymedical data and/or medical video associated with measurement apparatus10. Host 70 may comprise, for example, a desktop computer, a laptopcomputer, a server computer, a personal digital assistant, and/or anyother computing or communicating device or combination of devices.

In this example, host 70 includes system controller 90 capable ofprocessing, collecting, storing, retrieving, and/or amending medicaldata and/or video during a medical procedure. System controller 90 maycomprise one or more computers, an embedded microprocessor, or any otherappropriate device or combination of devices capable of processingand/or generating voice command signals 47 and/or 57. In operation,system controller 90 may execute with any of the well-known MS-DOS,PC-DOS, 0S-2, MAC-OS, WINDOWS™, UNIX, or other appropriate operatingsystems. In this embodiment, system controller 90 may implement voicerecognition software operable to process voice command signals 57. Forexample, system controller 90 may implement one or more voicerecognition software programs, such as ViaVoice or Dragon SpeechRecognition software, or any appropriate proprietary or nonproprietaryvoice recognition software. In certain embodiments, the voicerecognition software may be programmed to recognize the medicalprofessional's voice and commands may be customized to the medicalprofessional's preferences. In addition, the voice recognition softwaremay be capable of filtering out background noise.

System controller 90 is operable to process voice command signals 57,generate command/data signals 47 in response to the voice command, andcommunicate the command/data signals 47 to manipulator 40. Systemcontroller 90 may also be used to collect and record data using a memorystorage device. System controller 90 may be operable to provide dataassociated with a patient's medical status during a medical procedure tothe medical professional using display device 60 and/or GUI 72, or anyother appropriate devices.

In this embodiment, host 70 also includes an auxiliary input device 80coupled to system controller 90. Although a keyboard is depicted in thisexample, any other device capable of inputting commands and/or data maybe used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In thisexample, auxiliary device 80 is operable to facilitate manual entry ofmanipulation commands to supplement and/or replace voice commands. Inaddition, the medical professional may use auxiliary device 80 to inputdata into system controller 90, such as the patient's physiologicalparameters, for example, blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen level,or to retrieve data stored in a memory device associated with host 70.

In this example, system 100 also includes display device 60 and agraphical user interface (GIU) 72, each capable of displaying medicalinformation, such as medical data and/or medical video. Display device60 and GUI 72 may comprise, for example, a monitor, a LED, a heads-updisplay, virtual reality goggles, a closed circuit television, a CAVEenvironment, or any other device or combination of devices capable ofdisplaying. In some cases, display device 60 and GUI 72 may display alive video image from a video device associated with measurementapparatus 10, information about a patient's medical status, such as thecurrent state of any number of the patient's physiological parameters,information about the particular measurement apparatus 10 being used, orany other information that may assist a medical professional during amedical procedure. In this example, display device 60 is coupled to host70 through a third communication link 65, which is operable tofacilitate the communication of data signals 67 to and/or from host 70.

In this example, system 100 also includes communication device 50 thatenables a medical professional to communicate with host 70.Communication device 50 can comprise any device that enables a medicalprofessional to communicate with host 70. Communication device 50 maycomprise, for example, a telephone, a wireless device, a voice-over-IPdevice, a unidirectional microphone attached to a headset worn by amedical professional, a bi-directional microphone, or any other suitablecommunicating device or combination of devices. Communication device 50may be selectively attached to and/or placed near the medicalprofessional for ease of use. Attaching communication device 50 to themedical professional can, in some cases, advantageously minimizebackground noise. Although system 100 includes one communication device50 in this example, any other number of communication devices may beused without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.Communication device 50 is coupled to host 70 through a secondcommunication link 55, which is operable to facilitate the communicationof voice command signals 57 between communication device 50 and host 70.

In the illustrated embodiment, system 100 includes at least a firstcommunications link 45, a second communications link 55, and a thirdcommunications link 65 each operable to facilitate the communication ofdata to and/or from host 70. Communications links 45, 55, and 65 mayinclude any hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof. Invarious embodiments, communications link 45, 55, and 65 may comprise anycommunications medium capable of assisting in the communication ofanalog and/or digital signals. Communications links 45, 55, and 65 may,for example, comprise a twisted-pair copper telephone line, a fiberoptic line, a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), a wireless link, a USB bus,a PCI bus, an Ethernet interface, or any other suitable interfaceoperable to assist in the communication of information to and/or fromnetwork 104.

In conventional medical procedures involving a scope, a medicalprofessional manually manipulates the measurement apparatus based onfeedback from the measurement apparatus. The medical professionaltypically uses one hand to hold the measurement apparatus and guide itinto and through a patient's body. The medical professional's other handis used to manipulate the manual controls of the measurement apparatus.Thus, conventional systems typically require significant manualdexterity, which can result in a significant amount of strain on themedical professional.

Unlike conventional procedures, system 100 comprises a communicationdevice 50 that enables a medical professional to manipulate measurementapparatus 10 using voice commands, auxiliary input commands, and/orautomated commands. Allowing a medical professional to use voicecommands and/or automated commands can significantly reduce the manualdexterity, and the resulting strain, imposed on the medical professionalduring a medical procedure.

In operation, a medical professional can speak voice commands intocommunication device 50 for communication to host 70. Host 70 receivesvoice command signals 57 from communication device 50 and processesthose signals using a voice recognition module associated with host 70.Host 70 converts the voice command signals into command/data signals 47and communicates signals 47 to manipulator 40. Manipulator 40 respondsby causing measurement apparatus 10 to perform its desired function.Voice commands may comprise, for example, a voice to take a photographof a portion of the patient's body, a voice command to change an imagesize by zooming in or out, or any other suitable voice command capableof causing measurement apparatus 10 to perform its functionality. Inother embodiments, host 70 is capable of automatically generatingcommand/data signals 47 based at least in part on data received frommeasurement apparatus 10 through communication link 47.

FIG. 2 illustrates another example embodiment of a measurement apparatuscontrol system 300. System 300 includes system 150 for remotemanipulation of a measurement apparatus 210 and system 200 for voicecontrol of measurement apparatus 210. In this example, system 150 iscapable of controlling at least a portion of system 200 from a remotelocation. For example, a medical professional may use system 150 toremotely control system 200 in the case where the medical professionalis not located near system 200. The remote location may comprise, forexample, a different location in the hospital that includes system 200,a location in a different hospital, or any other location.

System 150 can include a communication device 155, a display device 160,a first auxiliary input device 165, and a second auxiliary input device180. The structure and function of communication device 155, displaydevice 160, and second auxiliary input device 180 can be substantiallysimilar to the structure and function of communication device 50,display device 60, and auxiliary input device 80, respectively, ofFIG. 1. First auxiliary input device 165 may comprise, for example, ajoystick, a computer mouse, a rollerball, knobs, levers, buttons,touchpads, touchscreens, or any other appropriate control device capableof being used to control manipulator 240. In this example, a medicalprofessional can use first auxiliary input device 165 to controlmanipulator 240 from the remote location.

In this embodiment, system 200 includes a measurement apparatus 210, amanipulator 240, a communication device 250, and a display device 260.System 200 also includes a host 270 comprising GUI 272, a thirdauxiliary input device 280, and a system controller 290. Although host270 resides within system 200 in this example, host 270 could residewithin system 150 or could reside in any location accessible to system300 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thestructure and function of measurement apparatus 210, manipulator 240,communication device 250, display device 260, host 270, GUI 272, thirdauxiliary input device 280, and system controller 290 can besubstantially similar to the structure and function of measurementapparatus 10, manipulator 40, communication device 50, display device60, host 70, GUI 72, auxiliary input device 80, and system controller90, respectively, of FIG. 1.

System 150 communicates with system 200 over communication link 305.Although communication link 305 comprises a single communication link inthis example, any other number of communication links may be usedwithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure.Communications link 305 may include any hardware, software, firmware, orcombination thereof. In various embodiments, communications link 305 maycomprise a communications medium capable of assisting in thecommunication of analog and/or digital signals. Communications link 305may, for example, comprise a twisted-pair copper telephone line, a fiberoptic line, a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), a wireless link, a USB bus,a PCI bus, an Ethernet interface, or a combination of these or otherelements.

In some embodiments, a first medical professional can manually insertmeasurement apparatus 210 into a patient. In those cases, system 200 cancommunicate data to a second medical professional using remote system150 through communication link 305. The second medical professional,while monitoring display device 160, can remotely manipulate measurementapparatus 210 using voice instructions communicated throughcommunication device 155 coupled to communication link 305 to host 270.In this manner, the medical professional using system 150 cansubstantially emulate a medical professional's manual control ofmeasurement apparatus 210. In other embodiments, the medicalprofessional can remotely manipulate measurement apparatus 210 usingauxiliary devices 165 and/or 180. In an alternative embodiment, amedical professional can insert medical device 210 into a patient usingsystem 200 locally or using system 150 remotely.

In addition to voice command control and/or auxiliary input devicecontrol, other methods of measurement apparatus control may beimplemented. In some cases, system 150 and/or system 200 can implement aheads-up-display (HUD) capable of controlling and/or manipulatingmeasurement apparatus 210 and/or manipulator 240. The HUD may be capableof projecting images onto or near the eyes of a medical professional andcapable of sending command signals using a virtual control deviceattached to the medical professional. In another example, the medicalprofessional may wear a helmet capable of manipulating measurementapparatus 210 and/or manipulator 240 based at least in part on commandsignals generated in response to a motion associated with the head ofthe medical professional. For example, rotation of the head to the rightmay indicate that the operator wants the measurement apparatus to moveto the right.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example measurement apparatus 400. In variousembodiments, at least a portion of measurement apparatus 400 may beinserted into a patient's body through an orifice during a medicalprocedure. The orifice may comprise, for example, the patient's throator mouth, the patient's nasal passages, an incision made during surgery,or any other suitable orifice. In this particular example, measurementapparatus 400 comprises a scope. The scope may comprise, for example, anendoscope, a colonoscope, a gastroscope, a enteroscope, a bronchoscope,a laryngoscope, a choledochoscope, a sigmoidoscope, a duodenoscope, aarthoroscope, a cystoscope, a hyteroscope, a laparoscope, or acombination of these or any other suitable device. In variousembodiments, measurement apparatus 400 can be controlled through, forexample, voice commands, auxiliary input command, automated commands,and/or manual commands. In some cases, measurement apparatus 400 can becoupled to a measurement apparatus control system, such as system 100 orsystem 300 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, respectively.

Measurement apparatus 400 includes a base portion 410 capable ofcontrolling and/or at least partially contributing to the manipulationof an insertable portion 420. In this example, base portion 410 includescontrol system 435 capable of at least partially contributing to thecontrol and/or the manipulation of insertable portion 420. Controlsystem 435 may be capable of receiving, processing, executing, and/orcommunicating one or more signals associated with the manipulation ofinsertable portion 420. In various embodiments, these signals receivedby base portion 410 may comprise, for example, voice commands, auxiliaryinput commands, automated commands, physiological parameters, videodata, positioning data, or a combination of these or other signal types.

In various embodiments, control system 435 may reside in a locationoutside of base portion 410 and/or may be partially or wholly includedwithin base portion 410. Control systems 435 may comprise, for example,a mechanical control system, an electrical control system, anelectro-mechanical control system, or a combination of these or anyother suitable control system. The phrase “mechanical control system”refers to a control system that at least partially includes mechanicalcomponents. Mechanical control systems can include, for example,hydraulic components, pneumatic components, pulleys, guidewires, gears,actuators, pushrods, sprocket/chain mechanisms, feedback controlcircuitry, or any other suitable components.

In this particular embodiment, control system 435 includes a manualoverride control module 411, an x-axis control module 412, a y-axiscontrol module 414, and a z-axis control module 416. Control modules411, 412, 414, and 416 may include any hardware, software, firmware, orcombination thereof. In some embodiments, control modules 411, 412, 414,and 416 may comprise buttons, knobs, dials, control circuitry, or anyother suitable control input device. In this particular embodiment,control modules 412, 414, and 416 operate to receive and process inputsignals from a medical professional. In addition, control modules 412,414, and 416 operate to at least partially contribute to themanipulation of insertable portion 420. The input signals may comprise,for example, voice commands, auxiliary input commands, and/or manualinput commands. In other embodiments, control modules 412, 414, and 416operate to receive and process input signals from a host and/or systemcontroller. For example, a medical professional can use control modules412, 414, and 416 to individually control measurement apparatus 400 inthe x-, y-, and z-axes, respectively. In various embodiments, overridecontrol module 411 may be capable of enabling the medical professionalto override the automatic operation of measurement apparatus 400 asnecessary during a medical procedure.

Control system 435 may also include touch-screen 417 and controller 418.Controller 418 operates to combine the individual control functions ofcontrol modules 412, 414, and 416 into a single controller. For example,a medical professional can use controller 418 and/or touchscreen 417 tomanually control measurement apparatus 400 in the x-, y-, and z-axes,respectively. Controller 418 can comprise any device capable ofcontrolling the manipulation of insertable portion 420. Controller cancomprise, for example, a joystick, a rollerball, knobs, levers, buttons,or any other appropriate control device.

Control system 435 further includes motors 436, pulleys 432, andguidewires 434. Although motors, pulleys, and guidewires are used inthis example, control system 435 can include any other componentscapable of contributing to the manipulation of insertable portion 420without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In thisexample, motors 436 operate to control the positioning of insertableportion 420 based at least in part on control signals received frommodules 411, 412, 414, and 416, and/or controller 418. Motors 436operate to manipulate guidewires 434 coupled to one end of insertableportion 420. In other embodiments, base unit 410 includes actuators,pushrods, sprocket/chain mechanisms, feedback control circuitry, or anyother control mechanism appropriate to control insertable portion 420.

In this example, pulleys 432 and motors 436 operate to control thetension in guidewires 434. In some embodiments, each guidewire 434 maycomprise two or more segments, each segment comprising a differentradial stiffness. For example, a first segment of guidewire 434 may becoupled to pulley 432, and a second segment of guidewire 434 may becoupled to an end of insertable portion 420. In that example, the secondsegment of guidewire segment may have a radial stiffness that is lessthan a radial stiffness associated with the first segment guidewire. Invarious embodiments, the force exerted by guidewires 434 can causeinsertable portion 430 to move in a corresponding manner.

Measurement apparatus 400 may also include insertable portion 420connected to base portion 410 and capable of being inserted into anorifice or incision in a patient's body during a medical procedure. Inthis particular embodiment, a medical professional can, using baseportion 410, manipulate insertable portion 420 in the patient's body toperform a medical procedure. In various embodiments, a medicalprofessional can control insertable portion 420 using voice commands,auxiliary input commands, automated commands, and/or manually.

In this example, insertable portion 420 includes a flexible portion 430and an automated head unit 440. In this particular embodiment, one endof each guidewire 434 is connected to one end of automated head unit440, while the other end of each guidewire 434 is connected to one ofpulleys 432. Although pulleys and guidewires are used to manipulateautomated head unit 440, any other appropriate control mechanism may beused without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In thisexample, control system 435 operates to create tension in guidewires434. The tension in guidewires 434 operates to exert a force onautomated head unit 440, which causes automated head unit 440 to move ina corresponding manner. For example, control system 435 may operate toapply tension to one or more guidewires 434 creating a force in thex-plane, which causes automated head unit 440 to move in the x-plane.Any suitable movement of automated head unit 440 in the x-y plane tendsto impart a corresponding movement to flexible portion 430 in the x-yplane.

In this example, four guidewires 434 are used to manipulate automatedhead unit 440 with two guidewires 434 connected along the x-axis and twoguidewires 434 connected along the y-axis. In an alternative embodiment,six or more guidewires 434 may be positioned around the periphery of theinsertable portion 420, which can allow a medical professional moreprecise control of measurement apparatus 400. In some cases, themovement of automated head unit 440 may be controlled independently ofthe movement of flexible portion 430. In some embodiments, flexibleportion 430 and automated head unit 440 may operate as “telescoping”tubes, where automated head unit 440 may retract into and extend fromflexible portion 430 to adjust a length (L) of insertable portion 420.Such a telescoping motion may be controlled through the positioning ofpulleys 432 and guidewires 434.

In this particular embodiment, control modules 412, 414, and/or 416receive and process command signals corresponding to a desiredmanipulation of insertable portion 420. Control module 412 and controlmodule 414 are operable to control the motion of automated head unit 440and the entire insertable portion 420 in the x-axis and y-axis,respectively. In some embodiments, control module 416 is operable toadjust the distance that automated head unit 440 moves relative toflexible portion 430. In those cases, control module 416 is operable tocause motor 436 to position the pulleys 432 and guidewires 434 so as toextend and retract automated head unit 440 relative to flexible portion430. Control module 412 and control module 414 are operable toindependently control the motion of automated head unit 440 regardlessof length L, enabling insertable portion 420 to have independent motionin the x-, y-, and z-axes.

Insertable portion 420 may also include sensors 442 and a camera 444.Although this example depicts sensors 442 as being connected toautomated head unit 440, sensors may be connected to any portion ofmeasurement apparatus 400 without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure. Injury may occur when a medical professionalaccidentally or mistakenly causes insertable portion 420 to contacttissue associated with the patient, which can cause bruising or damageto the tissue. Sensors 442 can comprise any device capable of providingdata and/or a signal to a medical professional. Sensors 442 may becapable of generating and transmitting, for example, positioninginformation associated with insertable portion 420, physiologicalinformation associated with the patient, control signals, a signalindicating the presence or absence of blood, or any other data. In oneparticular embodiment, sensors 442 are capable of generating andtransmitting data associated with proximity to tissue of the patient ofinsertable portion 420.

In other embodiments, sensors 442 may be capable of detecting acollision with tissue. In those cases, sensors 442 are capable ofgenerating and transmitting a feedback signal to control modules 412,414, 416, a host coupled to measurement apparatus 400, or a systemcontroller coupled to measurement apparatus 400. For example, sensors442 may communicate data indicating that wall tissue of a patient'sorifice has been encountered and that device 400 may need to be directedaway from that wall to prevent injury to the patient's tissue. In someembodiments, sensors 442 operate to generate alarms associated withmeasurement apparatus 400. For example, one or more sensors 442 maymonitor the presence of blood in the orifice, so that the medicalprofessional may be alerted to unexpected or excessive bleeding.

In operation, measurement apparatus 400 may be inserted into the patientby inserting insertable portion 420 into the appropriate orifice orincision. In some embodiments, a medical professional can insertmeasurement apparatus 400 into the patient. In other embodiments, theinsertion of measurement apparatus 400 into the patient may be performedusing a measurement apparatus control system implementing a manipulator,such as system 100 and manipulator 40 of FIG. 1 or system 300 andmanipulator 240 of FIG. 2.

In this particular embodiment, measurement apparatus 400 is capable ofbeing manipulated in at least three axes of motion. That is, measurementapparatus 400 is capable of being manipulated in the x-axis, y-axis, andz-axis. In other embodiments, measurement apparatus 400 is capable ofbeing manipulated in at least two axes of motion. In some embodiments,measurement apparatus 400 may be capable of manipulating insertableportion 420 one axis at a time. In other embodiments, measurementapparatus 400 may be capable of manipulating insertable portion 420 oneaxis at a time and manipulating insertable portion 420 along multipleaxes substantially simultaneously. In this example, measurementapparatus 400 is capable of manipulating insertable portion 420 alongmultiple axes substantially simultaneously. As used throughout thisdocument, the phrase, “substantially simultaneously” refers to themanipulation of insertable portion 420 and/or automated head unit 440 inmultiple axes in response to an input command before responding to asubsequent input command. For example, measurement apparatus 400 canmanipulate insertable portion 420 along the z-axis and, during thatmanipulation, measurement apparatus 400 can also manipulate insertableportion 420 along the x-axis. In various embodiments, measurementapparatus 400 can manipulate automated head unit 440 independently ofthe movement of flexible portion 430.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a flow of command signals from amedical professional to a measurement apparatus in a measurementapparatus control system 500. In various embodiments, measurementapparatus control system 500 can be substantially similar to controlsystem 100 of FIG. 1 or control system 300 of FIG. 2. In this example, acommunication device 550 receives a voice command 502 from a medicalprofessional. In various embodiments, the structure and function ofcommunication device 550 can be substantially similar to the structureand function of communication device 50 of FIG. 1. Communication device550 operates to convert voice command 502 into an electrical voicecommand signal 504 and to communicate electrical voice command signal504 to a system controller 590. In various embodiments, the structureand function of system controller 590 can be substantially similar tothe structure and function of system controller 90 of FIG. 1.

In this particular embodiment, system controller 590 comprises a voicerecognition module 592 capable of at least partially contributing to oneor more functions of system controller 590. That is, voice controlmodule 592 is not required to be capable of performing the desiredfunctionality of system controller 590 alone, but may contribute to theperformance of the function as part of a larger routine. In thisexample, voice recognition module 592 at least partially contributes tothe conversion of voice command signal 504 to a control signal 506.Voice recognition module 592 may include any hardware, software,firmware, or any combination thereof that is capable of converting voicecommand signal 504 into control signal 506.

System controller 590 also includes a command generator module 594capable of at least partially contributing to one or more functions ofsystem controller 590. In this example, command generator module 594operates to receive control signal 506 communicated from voicerecognition module 592 and at least partially contributes to theconversion of control signal 506 into a command signal 508. Commandgenerator 594 may comprise any hardware, software, firmware, or anycombination thereof that is capable of converting control signal 506into command signal 508. In this example, command generator module 594communicates command signal 508 to a signal generator module 596 capableof at least partially contributing to one or more functions of systemcontroller 590. In this example, signal generator module 596 at leastpartially contributes to the conversion of command signal 508 into anactuation signal 510. Signal generator 596 may comprise any hardware,software, firmware, or any combination thereof that is capable ofconverting command signal 508 into actuation signal 510.

In this example, system controller 590 communicates actuation signal 510to a device control module 560 capable of manipulating a measurementapparatus 570. In various embodiments, the structure and function ofdevice control module 560 can be substantially similar to the structureand function of actuation unit 20 of FIG. 1 or base portion 410 of FIG.3. In various embodiments, the structure and function of measurementapparatus 570 can also be substantially similar to the structure andfunction of measurement apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 or measurement apparatus400 of FIG. 3.

In various embodiments, device control module 560 may be capable ofgenerating a feedback signal 512 and communicating feedback signal 512to system controller 590. Feedback signal 512 may comprise, for example,positioning data associated with measurement apparatus 570, a videofeed, a physiological parameter associated with a patient, or any otherinformation associated with measurement apparatus 570, device controlmodule 560, and/or a patient undergoing a medical procedure. In someembodiments, measurement apparatus 570 can communicate data 514 tosystem controller 590. Data 514 may comprise, for example, positioningdata, one or more physiological parameters associated with a patient, alive video feed associated with a camera coupled to measurementapparatus 570, or any other data capable of being collected bymeasurement apparatus 570.

In various embodiments, system controller 590 may be capable ofgenerating commands on its own based at least in part on data 514 and/orfeedback signal 512 communicated from measurement apparatus 570 and/ordevice control module 560. For example, if measurement apparatus 570comprises a scope with blood sensors, system controller 590 may stop themovement of the scope within a patient's body if data 514 is receivedfrom measurement apparatus 570 indicating that the patient is bleedingexcessively.

In this example, system 500 also includes a display device 580 capableof displaying data associated with measurement apparatus 570 and/or apatient. The structure and functional of display device 580 can besubstantially similar to the structure and function of display device 60or GUI 72 of FIG. 1. Although system 500 includes a single displaydevice in this example, any other number of display devices may be usedwithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In someembodiments, system controller 590 can communicate an output signal 516containing data associated with measurement apparatus 570 and/or apatient to display device 580.

In some embodiments, system 500 may also include an audio output device587 capable of communicating data associated with measurement apparatus570 and/or a patient. Audio output device 587 can comprise any devicecapable of providing an audio output signal, such as a speaker,headphones, an audio alarm device, or any other suitable audio outputdevice. Although system 500 includes a single audio output device inthis example, any other number of audio output devices may be usedwithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In someembodiments, system controller 590 may communicate an audio outputsignal 516 to output device 587 so that the medical professional mayreceive the data associated with output signal 516 in audio format.

Although, in most cases, voice command 502 represents the primarycontrol input into system 500, system 500 also includes an auxiliaryinput device 585 capable of generating a control signal 518. Controlsignal 518 can comprise data that is substantially similar to datacontained within control signal 506. In various embodiments, thestructure and function of auxiliary input device 585 can besubstantially similar to the structure and function of auxiliary inputdevices 165 or 180 of FIG. 2. Although system 500 includes a singleauxiliary input device in this example, any other number of auxiliaryinput devices may be used without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure. In this particular embodiment, auxiliary inputdevice 585 is coupled directly to command generator 594. In someembodiments, auxiliary input device 585 may also receive data signals520 from system controller 590. For example, in a case where auxiliaryinput device 585 comprises a “force-feedback” joystick, signals 520 maycomprise the feedback signal representing the force being exerted onmeasurement apparatus 570 by the patient's body.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 600 forprocessing a voice control signal and/or a command signal received by ameasurement apparatus control system. In one particular embodiment,voice control signals and/or command signals are received from system100 of FIG. 1. Although system 100 is used in this example, any othersystem, such as systems 300 and 500 of FIGS. 2 and 4, respectively, maybe used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In this example, method 600 begins at step 602 where communicationdevice 50 receives a voice command from a medical professional.Communication device 50 operates to convert the voice command into voicecommand signal 57 and communicates voice command signal 57 to host 70.In this particular example, host 70 includes a voice recognition modulethat processes voice command signal 57 at step 604 by converting voicecommand signal 57 into a control signal. In various embodiments, thestructure and function of the voice recognition module can besubstantially similar to voice recognition module 592 of FIG. 4. In thisexample, the voice recognition module further operates to identify thespecific voice command represented by the control signal at step 606. Insome embodiments, identifying the specific voice command may beaccomplished by comparing the received control signal with a list ofpre-programmed commands stored in a memory device associated with host70.

The voice recognition module validates the control signal at step 608.If the voice command is not recognized as a pre-programmed command, theinvalid voice command is ignored and the method loops back to step 602.If the voice command is valid, the voice recognition module communicatesthe control signal to a command generator. In this example, the commandgenerator operates to convert the control signal into a command signalrepresenting the voice command at step 610. In various embodiments, thestructure and function of the command generator can be substantiallysimilar to the structure and function of command generator module 594 ofFIG. 4.

In an alternate embodiment, auxiliary control signals capable ofmanipulating a measurement apparatus may be generated by an auxiliaryinput device at step 616. In various embodiments, the auxiliary inputdevice may comprise, for example, auxiliary input devices 165 and/or 180of FIG. 2. The auxiliary input device communicates the auxiliary controlsignal to the command generator, which converts the auxiliary controlsignal into a command signal at step 610. The command generator alsooperates to communicate the command signal to a signal generator.

In this example, the signal generator operates to convert the commandsignal into an actuation signal 47 representing the voice command of themedical professional at step 612. In various embodiments, the structureand function of the signal generator can be substantially similar to thestructure and function of signal generator module 596 of FIG. 4. In thisexample, manipulator 40 and/or measurement apparatus 10 operates toreceive and execute actuation signal 47 at step 614.

Measurement apparatus, such as a scope, that are adapted to be insertedinto the patient's body typically permit the introduction of a waveguidestructure or other wired device through the patient's orifice. Thewaveguide structure can comprise, for example, an optical fiber, ahollow tube waveguide, an air core waveguide, a planar waveguide, or acombination of these or other devices. Examples of such additionaldevices include, for example, surgical knives, sample collectors, and/orcauterizing heads. In some cases, inserting a waveguide structure mayenable, for example, the early detection of cancerous cells and maycontribute to the removal of the cancerous cells. In variousembodiments, the waveguide structure may communicate an optical signalwavelength of 1.7 microns or more.

In some embodiments, a waveguide structure may be implemented in ameasurement apparatus that uses an optical signal wavelength in themid-infrared (mid-IR) wavelength range to perform surgery and/orspectroscopy on a patient. In various embodiments, a wavelength in themid-IR range comprises a wavelength between approximately two (2)microns and approximately ten (10) microns. In other embodiments, awavelength in the mid-IR range comprises a wavelength betweenapproximately five (5) and seven (7) microns. For light-based surgeryand spectroscopy, it can be particularly advantageous to use an opticalsignal wavelength in the range between approximately 5 microns toapproximately 7 microns to minimize tissue damage or collateral damage.In a particular embodiment, an optical signal having a wavelength ofapproximately 6.45 microns may be advantageously used for light-basedsurgery and/or spectroscopy.

In some embodiments, a Raman wavelength shifter coupled to a pump laseris capable of generating an optical signal wavelength in the mid-IRrange. As used in this document, the phrase “Raman wavelength shifter”refers to any device that uses the Raman effect to shift a shorteroptical signal wavelength to a longer optical signal wavelength. TheRaman wavelength shifters may comprise, for example, one or morereflectors, one or more gratings, an optical fiber, or a combination ofthese or other elements. In various embodiments, the Raman wavelengthshifter may comprise, for example, a chalcogenide glass fiber that iscapable of shifting the shorter pump laser wavelength to a longerwavelength, such as a wavelength in the mid-IR region. The chalcogenidefiber may comprise, for example, a ZBLAN fiber, a sulphide fiber, aselenides fiber, or a telluride fiber, or a combination of these orother fiber types.

In other embodiments, a first wavelength shifter coupled to a pump lasermay be capable of shifting an optical signal wavelength to approximately2 microns. The first wavelength shifter may comprise, for example, afused silica optical fiber capable of shifting the shorter pump laserwavelength to approximately two (2) microns. In that example, a secondRaman wavelength shifter is coupled to the first Raman wavelengthshifter and is capable of shifting the two (2) micron signal to awavelength in the five (5) to seven (7) micron range. In that example,the second Raman wavelength shifter comprises a chalcogenide glassfiber.

FIG. 6A compares a surgical incision made using a 2.94 micron opticalsignal wavelength to a surgical incision made using a 6.45 micronoptical signal wavelength. This figure illustrates that tissue damage,such as denatured tissue, can result when a measurement apparatusimplements a 2.94 micron optical signal wavelength. This tissue damagetends to result from the protein temperatures in the tissue do notuniformly exceed the water temperature in the aqueous components of thetissue.

Compared to the incision performed using the 2.94 micron optical signalwavelength, the incision made using the 6.45 micron optical signal haslittle or no denatured tissue. This reduction in collateral tissuedamage is based at least in part on the tissue's ability to absorbdifferential energy. For example, when using an optical signalwavelength at approximately 6.45 microns to create an incision, theprotein temperatures in the tissue uniformly exceed the watertemperature in the tissue and the protein begins to transform intobrittle denatured protein. The brittle fracture of the proteins at theonset of explosive vaporization leads to the confinement of collateraldamage. Therefore, the use of a 6.45 micron optical signal wavelength asa tissue cutting implement may minimize collateral tissue damage duringlaser-based surgery. By using an optical signal wavelength of 6.45microns with a medical scope-type device, “clean” surgery may beperformed for many medical procedures, such as removing cancerouspolyps. Similar results can be obtained using an optical signalwavelength in the five (5) to seven (7) micron range.

FIG. 6B illustrates example evanescent spectra in different cell-typeregions (using a mouse as the biological sample). This figureillustrates that cancerous cells tend to show a distinct reduction 700in transmission at an optical signal wavelength of approximately 6.1microns. Medical professionals can exploit this spectral signature invarious medical procedures, such as a procedure for the early detectionof cancer. Thus, an optical signal wavelength in the mid-IR range may beused to perform a medical procedure for the early detection of tissueabnormalities such as cancer cells. In other embodiments, an opticalsignal wavelength in the mid-IR range can be used in a diagnosticprocedure, such as spectroscopy. Diagnostic techniques capable of usingthe mid-IR optical signal wavelength include, for example, transmission,reflection, fluorescence, and near field microscopy. Although specificexamples of spectroscopy are discussed, any other appropriate form ofspectroscopy may be used without departing from the scope of thisdisclosure.

To improve the signal-to-noise ratio of a spectroscopic measurement suchas in FIG. 6B, several methodologies may be used. First, a differentialmeasurement may be taken between a known cancer-free area and thesuspect area, for example, differential spectroscopy rather thanabsolute spectroscopy. In addition, measurements may be taken at severalwavelengths and compared to each other. For example, measuring thedifferential transmission of the tissue at two or more wavelengths, suchas 5 microns and 6.1 microns, may: improve the signal-to-noise ratio ofthe cancer cell signature.

FIG. 7 illustrates example attenuation characteristics of severaloptical fibers based on wavelength. This example shows that fused silica(Si0₂) fibers become lossy above approximately 2 microns in wavelength,while mid-IR optical fibers remain relatively loss-less above 2 microns.A mid-IR fiber may comprise any optical fiber capable of at leastpartially transmitting for at least a portion of the mid-IR range. Forexample, a mid-IR fiber may comprise a chalcogenide fiber, such as asulfide fiber, a selenides fiber, or a telluride fiber. Therefore, insome cases, a pump source coupled to a measurement apparatus, such asmeasurement apparatus 400 of FIG. 3, may comprise a high powered pumpsource coupled to a Raman wavelength shifter comprising a mid-IR fiber.In a particular embodiment, such a pump source may operate in a pulsedmode or in a continuous wave mode. The power levels required depend onthe particular application. For example, spectroscopy may require arelatively low power level, while surgery may require a relatively highpower level.

Conventional surgical devices capable of using a 5.0 to 6.5 micronoptical signal wavelength typically implement a Free Electron Laser(FEL) pump source. However, a FEL pump source is a large and veryexpensive facility that tends to be impractical for surgicalapplications. Unlike conventional surgical devices, a measurementapparatus, such as device 400 of FIG. 3, can include a pump lasercoupled to one or more Raman wavelength shifters capable of shifting ashorter signal wavelength to a longer signal wavelength. In thatexample, at least a portion of the Raman wavelength shifter can beimplemented in a waveguide structure. In various embodiments, the longersignal wavelength can comprise, for example, an optical signalwavelength in the mid-IR wavelength range. Coupling a pump laser to oneor more Raman wavelength shifters can result in a commercially andeconomically viable optical cutting implement for use in a measurementapparatus. In addition, coupling a pump laser to one or more Ramanwavelength shifters can result in a significantly smaller footprint areathan a FEL pump source and can significantly reduce the cost.

Conventional wavelength shifters or oscillators are typicallyimplemented in fused silica fiber. The loss associated with fused silicafiber tends to increase rapidly for optical signal wavelengths greaterthan about 2 or 2.3 microns. Unlike conventional wavelength shifters, ameasurement apparatus, such as device 400 of FIG. 3, can include a Ramanwavelength shifter or oscillator that is capable of transmitting in themid-IR wavelength range, such as chalcogenide optical fibers.

FIGS. 8A through 8D are block diagrams illustrating example embodimentsof Raman wavelength shifters and/or Raman oscillators capable ofshifting a shorter pump signal wavelength to a longer output signalwavelength. Although particular examples of wavelength shifters aredescribed in FIGS. 8A through 8D, any other Raman wavelength shifter canbe implemented without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 8A is a block diagram illustrating one example of a Ramanwavelength shifter 800 capable of shifting a shorter pump signal 810wavelength to a longer output signal wavelength 812. In this example,Raman wavelength shifter 800 operates to generate an optical signalwavelength 812 of 1.7 microns or more. In various embodiments, Ramanwavelength shifter 800 can operate to generate an optical signalwavelength 812 in the mid-IR wavelength range. In other embodiments,Raman wavelength shifter 800 can operate to generate an optical signalwavelength 812 a wavelength in the five (5) to seven (7) micron range.In various embodiments, pump signal 810 can comprise, for example, a1310 nanometer (nm) wavelength, 1390 nm wavelength, 1510 nm wavelength,or other optical signal wavelength.

Raman wavelength shifter includes a gain fiber 804 operable tofacilitate shifting pump signal 810 to a desired wavelength. Gain fiber804 may comprise any waveguide structure capable of wavelength shiftingpump signal 810 to a longer wavelength or a different Raman cascadeorder. In this particular embodiment, gain fiber 804 comprises anoptical fiber. The optical fiber used as gain fiber 804 may comprise,for example, a dispersion compensating fiber, a dispersion shifterfiber, a single mode fiber, a chalcogenide fiber, a fused silica opticalfiber, or a combination of these or other fiber types. Raman wavelengthshifter 800 also includes a broadband reflector 802 operable tosubstantially reflect all optical signal wavelengths contained withinRaman wavelength shifter 800 and a pump signal coupler 806. Reflector802 may comprise any device capable of reflecting a wide range ofwavelength signals, such as a mirror. Pump signal coupler 806 maycomprise any device capable of coupling pump signal 810 to Ramanwavelength shifter 800, such as a wavelength division multiplexer or apower coupler.

In this example, Raman wavelength shifter 800 further includes awavelength separator 808 capable of transmitting at least a portion ofthe desired wavelength from Raman wavelength shifter 800. In addition,wavelength separator 808 operates to at least partially reflect adesired wavelength to gain medium 804 to continue lasing at the desiredwavelength or wavelengths. In this particular embodiment, a cavity isformed between reflector 802 and wavelength separator 808. Separator 808could comprise, for example, a demultiplexer, one or more partiallytransmissive gratings, one or more partially transmitting mirrors, oneor more Fabry Perot filters, one or more dielectric gratings, or anycombination of these or other devices.

FIG. 8B is a block diagram illustrating one example of a Ramanwavelength shifter 820 capable of shifting a shorter pump signal 830wavelength to a longer output signal wavelength 832. In this example,Raman wavelength shifter 820 operates to generate an optical signalwavelength 832 of 1.7 microns or more. In various embodiments, Ramanwavelength shifter 820 operates to generate an optical signal wavelength832 in the mid-IR wavelength range. In other embodiments, Ramanwavelength shifter 820 operates to generate an optical signal wavelength832 a wavelength in the five (5) to seven (7) micron range. In variousembodiments, pump signal 830 can comprise, for example, a 1310 nanometer(nm) wavelength, 1390 nm wavelength, 1510 nm wavelength, or otheroptical signal wavelength.

In this example, Raman wavelength shifter 820 includes a reflector 822,a gain fiber 824, a pump input coupler 826, and a wavelength separator828. In various embodiments, the structure and function of reflector822, gain fiber 824, coupler 826, and separator 828 can be substantiallysimilar to reflector 802, gain fiber 804, coupler 806, and separator 808of FIG. 8A, respectively. In this particular embodiment, at least aportion of gain fiber 824 can comprise a chalcogenide fiber.

Raman wavelength shifter 820 may also include at least a first selectingelement 825 a and a second selecting element 825 b. Although thisexample may also include two selecting elements 825 a and 825 b, anynumber of selecting elements can be used without departing from thescope of the present disclosure. Selecting elements 825 a and 825 b cancomprise any device, such as a dielectric grating or one or more FabryPerot filters. Each selecting element operates to transmit a portion ofa desired wavelength to be output from Raman wavelength shifter 820. Inaddition, each selecting element 825 a and 825 b operates to at leastpartially reflect a desired wavelength to gain medium 824 to allowwavelength shifter 820 to continue lasing at the desired wavelength orwavelengths. In this particular embodiment, an optical cavity is formedbetween reflector 822 and selecting element 825 a and/or selectingelement 825 b.

FIG. 8C is a block diagram illustrating one example of a Ramanwavelength shifter 840 capable of shifting a shorter pump signal 850wavelength to a longer output signal wavelength 852. In this example,Raman wavelength shifter 840 operates to generate an optical signalwavelength 852 of 1.7 microns or more. In various embodiments, Ramanwavelength shifter 840 operates to generate an optical signal wavelength852 in the mid-IR wavelength range. In other embodiments, Ramanwavelength shifter 840 operates to generate an optical signal wavelength852 a wavelength in the five (5) to seven (7) micron range. In variousembodiments, pump signal 850 can comprise, for example, a 980 nanometer(nm) wavelength, a 1060 nm wavelength, a 1310 nm wavelength, a 1390 nmwavelength, a 1510 nm wavelength, or other optical signal wavelength.

In this example, Raman wavelength shifter 840 includes a gain fiber 844,a pump input coupler 846, and selecting elements 845. In variousembodiments, the structure and function of gain fiber 844, coupler 826,selecting elements 845, and output coupler 848 can be substantiallysimilar to gain fiber 824, coupler 826, selecting elements 825, andcoupler 828 of FIG. 8B, respectively. In this particular embodiment, atleast a portion of gain fiber 824 can comprise a chalcogenide fiber.

The example illustrated in FIG. 8C differs from the example illustratedin FIG. 8B in that wavelength shifter 840 implements a plurality ofreflective gratings 847 a-847 n each centered on a different wavelengthof a reflection band. Although this example includes three gratings, anynumber of gratings can be used without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure. Gratings 847 a-847 n can comprise any device, suchas a high-reflectivity dielectric grating. In this particular example,each grating 847 a-847 n comprises a grating with a reflectivity betweenninety-five (95) to one hundred (100) percent at the center wavelength.Gratings 847 a-847 n operate to facilitate cascading of pump signal 850to a desired output wavelength. In this particular embodiment, anoptical cavity is formed between selecting elements 845 and gratings847.

FIG. 8D is a block diagram illustrating one example of a Ramanwavelength shifter 860 capable of shifting a shorter pump signal 870wavelength to a longer output signal wavelength 832. In this example,Raman wavelength shifter 860 operates to generate an optical signalwavelength 872 of 1.7 microns or more. In various embodiments, Ramanwavelength shifter 860 operates to generate an optical signal wavelength872 in the mid-IR wavelength range. In other embodiments, Ramanwavelength shifter 860 operates to generate an optical signal wavelength872 a wavelength in the five (5) to seven (7) micron range. In variousembodiments, pump signal 870 can comprise, for example, a 980 nmwavelength, a 1060 nm wavelength, a 1310 nm wavelength, a 1390 nmwavelength, a 1510 nm wavelength, or other optical signal wavelength.

In this example, Raman wavelength shifter 860 includes a gain fiber 864,a pump input coupler 866, electing elements 864, reflective gratings867, and an output coupler 868. In various embodiments, the structureand function of gain fiber 864, input coupler 866, elements 864,gratings 867, and output coupler 868 can be substantially similar togain fiber 844, coupler 846, elements 845, gratings 847, and coupler 848of FIG. 8C, respectively. Although example elements are illustrated,Raman wavelength shifter 860 may include some, none, or all of theseelements. For example, in some embodiments, pump input coupler 866and/or output coupler 868 may be optional.

The example illustrated in FIG. 8D differs from the example illustratedin FIG. 8C in that wavelength shifter 860 implements a Q-switcher 863capable of transitioning from a reflective state to a transmissivestate. Q-switcher 863 can comprise a device or combination of deviceshaving a variable loss. For example, Q-switcher may comprise one or moremoving mirrors, electro-optic switches, saturable absorbers, or acombination of these or other optical devices. In some cases, Q-switcher863 can initially operate as a reflective mirror so that optical signalenergy may build-up within the laser cavity. After the laser cavitycontains a sufficient amount of optical energy, Qswitcher 863 canoperate to substantially transmit the desired optical signal wavelengthin the form of a relatively large pulse or burst. In variousembodiments, Q-switcher 863 may be capable of providing an output signalhaving a pulse width in the range of two (2) nanoseconds to one hundred(100) milliseconds. In other embodiments, Q-switcher 863 may be capableof providing an output signal having a pulse repetition rate in therange of two (2) hertz to one hundred (100) megahertz.

FIGS. 9A through 9C are block diagrams illustrating example embodimentsof pump sources that are capable of generating a pump signal for use ina Raman wavelength shifter. Although particular examples of pump sourcesare described in FIGS. 9A through 9C, any other pump source can beimplemented without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9A is a block diagram illustrating one example embodiment of a pumpsource 900 capable of being coupled to a Raman wavelength shifter and/ora Raman oscillator. Pump source 900 can comprise any device capable ofgenerating an optical signal at a desired wavelength and power. Forexample, pump source 900 can comprise a solid state laser, such a Nd:YAGor Nd:YLF laser, a semiconductor laser, a laser diode, a cladding pumpfiber laser, or any combination of these or other light sources. In thisexample, pump source 900 comprises a high powered laser 902 coupled to aRaman oscillator or a Raman wavelength shifter, such as Raman wavelengthshifters 800, 820, 840, or 860 of FIGS. 8A through 8D.

FIG. 9B is a block diagram illustrating one example embodiment of a pumpsource 920 capable of being coupled to a Raman wavelength shifter and/ora Raman oscillator. In this example, pump source 920 includes a pumplaser 922 and an intermediate stage 924 capable of shifting the opticalsignal wavelength generated by pump laser 922 to a longer wavelength.The structure and function of laser 922 may be substantially similar tothe structure and function of pump source 900 of FIG. 9A. In thisparticular example, intermediate state 924 comprises a first Ramanwavelength shifter 924. In some embodiments, intermediate wavelengthshifter 924 may advantageously be implemented using fused silica opticalfiber.

In some embodiments, pump sources 900 and 920 may comprise acladding-pumped fiber laser, capable of emitting a pump signalwavelength of approximately 1 micron. In those examples, pump sources900 and 920 can be coupled to a first or auxiliary cascaded Ramanoscillator or Raman wavelength shifter. In some cases, the auxiliaryRaman oscillator or Raman wavelength shifter may comprise, for example,Raman wavelength shifters 800, 820, 840, or 860 of FIGS. 8A through 8Dimplementing a fused silica optical fiber. Such an arrangement may beused to shift the 1 micron optical signal to approximately 2 to 2.3microns. The 2-2.3 micron signal output from the auxiliary Ramanwavelength shifter can then be shifted to a mid-IR wavelength by anothercascaded Raman oscillator or Raman wavelength shifter that implements inmid-IR fiber.

FIG. 9C is a block diagram illustrating one example embodiment of a pumpsource 940 capable of being coupled to a Raman wavelength shifter and/ora Raman oscillator. In this example, pump source 940 includes a pumplaser 942 and a multiplexer 944 capable of combining a plurality of pumpsignals into a pump output signal. In this particular example, pumpsource 900 comprises a first laser diode 942 a and a second laser diode942 b each centered at a desired wavelength and capable of generatingpump signals 943 a and 943 b. Although this example includes two laserdiodes, any number of laser diodes may be used without departing fromthe scope of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, laserdiodes 942 a and 942 b can be centered on substantially the samewavelength, such as 980 nm, 1310 nm, 1390 nm, 14xx nm, or 1510 nm. Inthis particular embodiment, pump signals 943 a and 943 b are combined bymultiplexer 944. Multiplexer 944 can comprise any device capable ofcombining pump signals 943, such as a wavelength division multiplexer.In various embodiments, multiplexer 944 can be capable of polarizationand/or wavelength multiplexing pump signals 943 a and 943 b to form apump output signal.

In some embodiments, a Raman wavelength shifter, such as thoseillustrated in FIGS. 8A through 8D, may be used to deliver an opticalsignal wavelength directly to the patient. In other embodiments, asecond mid-IR waveguide structure, that at least partially transmits inat least a portion of the mid-IR wavelength range, may be coupled to theoutput of the Raman wavelength shifter to deliver the optical signalwavelength to the patient. Coupling a second mid-IR waveguide structureto the Raman wavelength shifter can advantageously allow the deliverywaveguide structure to be disposed after use within the patient. Inaddition, coupling a second mid-IR waveguide structure can substantiallyreduce the chance of breaking a fiber associated with a Raman wavelengthshifter. Furthermore, it may be desirable to couple a tapered end orlens on the delivery fiber for improved focusing of optical signal onthe patient.

In various embodiments, an optical signal wavelength is capable of beingdelivered to a measurement apparatus inserted into a patient using awaveguide structure having a relatively low coupling loss. In somecases, the waveguide structure maintain the coupling loss to, forexample, 5 dB or less, 3 dB or less, or even less than 1 dB.

Although the present invention has been described with severalembodiments, a multitude of changes, substitutions, variations,alterations, and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in theart, and it is intended that the invention encompass all such changes,substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications as fall withinthe spirit and scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a measurement apparatuscomprising one or more sensors configured to generate signals associatedwith one or more physiological parameters, the physiological parametersincluding at least one of blood pressure, heart rate, and blood oxygenlevel, wherein at least one of the one or more sensors is adapted to becoupled to tissue comprising blood and is configured to be inserted intoan orifice associated with a user, wherein at least another of the oneor more sensors is configured to provide positioning information, andwherein at least yet another of the one or more sensors is configured toprovide information about proximity of the measurement apparatus to thetissue comprising blood; a communication device coupled to themeasurement apparatus, the communication device comprising one or moremicrophones attached to a headset, the headset adapted to be worn by theuser, the communication device configured to receive voice inputcommands from the one or more microphones and coupled to one or moreaudio output devices; a voice recognition module coupled to themeasurement apparatus and to the communication device, wherein the voicerecognition module is configured to process the voice input commands,wherein the voice recognition module is configured to identify aspecific voice command at least in part by comparing the voice inputcommands with one or more pre-programmed commands, and wherein the voicerecognition module is configured to be customized to preferences of theuser; the measurement apparatus configured to communicate with a controlsystem configured to receive and process at least a portion of thesignals associated with one or more physiological parameters, thecontrol system comprising a touch-screen, a mechanical system comprisingone or more actuators, and a wireless transmitter to transmit datacomprising at least a part of the physiological parameters over awireless link to a host, wherein the control system is furtherconfigured to receive signals from manually entered input; and whereinthe voice recognition module is further configured to convert at least aportion of the voice input commands into voice command signals andwherein the control system is further configured to manipulate at leasta part of the control system in response to receiving at least a portionof the voice command signals.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the datacomprises at least a part of the voice command signals and wherein thehost includes voice recognition software to process the data.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the one or more microphones and the one ormore audio output devices are configured to minimize background noise.4. The system of claim 1, wherein the control system further comprisesknobs and buttons.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the control systemis further coupled to one or more semiconductor diodes configured togenerate an input light beam, and to a lens system configured to receiveat least a portion of the input light beam and to communicate at leastthe portion of the input light beam onto the user.
 6. A systemcomprising: a measurement apparatus comprising one or more sensorsconfigured to generate signals associated with one or more physiologicalparameters, the physiological parameters including at least one of bloodpressure, heart rate, and blood oxygen level, wherein at least one ofthe one or more sensors is adapted to be coupled to tissue comprisingblood and is configured to be inserted into an orifice associated with auser, and wherein at least another of the one or more sensors isconfigured to provide information about proximity of the measurementapparatus to the tissue comprising blood; a communication device coupledto the measurement apparatus, the communication device comprising one ormore microphones attached to a headset, the headset adapted to be wornby the user, the communication device coupled to one or more audiooutput devices and configured to receive voice input commands from theone or more microphones; a voice recognition module coupled to themeasurement apparatus and to the communication device, wherein the voicerecognition module is configured to process the voice input commands andconvert at least a portion of the voice input commands into voicecommand signals; the measurement apparatus configured to communicatewith a control system configured to receive and process at least aportion of the signals associated with one or more physiologicalparameters, the control system comprising a touch-screen, a mechanicalsystem comprising one or more actuators, and a wireless transmitter totransmit data over a wireless link to a host, at least some of the datacomprising at least a part of the physiological parameters, wherein thecontrol system is further configured to receive signals from manuallyentered input.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the control system isconfigured to receive at least a portion of the voice command signals,and to manipulate at least a part of the control system in response tothe at least a portion of the voice command signals.
 8. The system ofclaim 6, wherein the data comprises at least a part of the voice commandsignals and wherein the host includes voice recognition software toprocess the at least a part of the voice command signals.
 9. The systemof claim 6, wherein the voice recognition module is configured toidentify a specific voice command at least in part by comparing thevoice input commands with one or more pre-programmed commands.
 10. Thesystem of claim 6, wherein the voice recognition module is configured tobe customized to preferences of the user.
 11. The system of claim 6,wherein at least another one of the one or more sensors is configured toprovide positioning information.
 12. The system of claim 6, wherein theone or more microphones and the one or more audio output devices areconfigured to minimize background noise.
 13. The system of claim 6,wherein the control system further comprises knobs and buttons.
 14. Thesystem of claim 13, wherein the control system is further coupled to oneor more semiconductor diodes configured to generate an input light beam,and to a lens system configured to receive at least a portion of theinput light beam and to communicate at least the portion of the inputlight beam onto the user.
 15. A system comprising: a measurementapparatus comprising one or more sensors configured to generate signalsassociated with one or more physiological parameters, the physiologicalparameters including at least one of blood pressure, heart rate, andblood oxygen level, wherein at least one of the one or more sensors isadapted to be coupled to tissue comprising blood and is configured to beinserted into an orifice associated with a user, and wherein at leastanother of the one or more sensors is configured to provide informationabout proximity of the measurement apparatus to the tissue comprisingblood; a communication device coupled to the measurement apparatus, thecommunication device comprising one or more microphones attached to aheadset, the headset adapted to be worn by the user, the communicationdevice coupled to one or more audio output devices, and configured toreceive voice input commands from the one or more microphones; a voicerecognition module coupled to the measurement apparatus and to thecommunication device, wherein the voice recognition module is configuredto process the voice input commands and convert at least a portion ofthe voice input commands into voice command signals; the measurementapparatus configured to communicate with a control system configured toreceive and process at least a portion of the signals associated withone or more physiological parameters, the control system comprising atouch-screen, a mechanical system comprising one or more actuators, anda wireless transmitter to transmit data over a wireless link to a host,at least some of the data comprising at least a part of thephysiological parameters, wherein the control system is furtherconfigured to receive signals from manually entered input; and whereinthe control system is further configured to receive at least a portionof the voice command signals, and to manipulate at least a part of thecontrol system in response to the at least a portion of the voicecommand signals.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the host includesvoice recognition software to process at least a part of the voicecommand signals.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the voicerecognition module is configured to identify a specific voice command atleast in part by comparing the voice input commands with one or morepre-programmed commands.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the voicerecognition module is configured to be customized to preferences of theuser.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein at least another one of theone or more sensors is configured to provide positioning information.20. The system of claim 15, wherein the control system is furthercoupled to one or more semiconductor diodes configured to generate aninput light beam, and a lens system configured to receive at least aportion of the input light beam and to communicate at least the portionof the input light beam onto the user.